Coal

Total 2015 coal production in the US is expected to be about 900 million t – the lowest level since 1986.

The DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory awards Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, a US$2 million US DOE grant for research into CO2 capture.

The Electricity Generating Public Co. affiliate, San Buenaventura Power Ltd Co. has obtained financial closing and the first drawdown and construction commencement the new 500 MW coal-fired power plant project in the Philippines.

Whitehaven Coal expects to make a profit in 2H15 on expected earnings of AUS$100 – 105 million.

The Leigh Creek Energy project has achieved an initial PRMS ISG gas resources certification and is underway with gas sales discussions.

Crude oil prices for 2015 started low and ended lower at below US$40/bbl, reflecting the continual oversupply of crude oil in relation to global demand.

CNX Coal Resources LP has announced that in response to the ongoing uncertainty in coal markets, it is reducing its expectations for 2016 coal sales to 4.4-5.2 million t.

An AUS$7 million investment in TerraCom by Chinese company, SPG, is necessary to ensure the company can continue in business.

Theiss has secured a AUS$115 million contract to continue operating the southern pits at the Dawson coal mine in Central Queensland, Australia.

Peabody Energy has amended its previous agreement with United Mine Workers of America regarding Patriot retiree healthcare benefits.

Foresight Energy LP has appointed Paul H. Vining as a member of its Board of Directors.

Eskom has appointed Phillip Dukashe as acting Project Director for the Medupi power plant project in South Africa.

Duke Energy has released a statement regarding initial ash basin classifications issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

The Chinese coke sector is increasingly using lower-quality metallurgical coal to reduce costs – but this is having a knock-on impact on coke quality that is concerning some buyers on the international market.

Does New Hope’s purchase of a 40% stake in the Bengalla coal mine in Australia make sense in the long term?